Page 65 of With This Ring

“Because I don’t know what you want, Hud.”

“I honestly don’t know what you mean.”

“What do you wantfrom me?” she asked, pointing to her chest.

He couldn’t admit the truth when he seemed to be the only one who wanted to reconcile with her. She’d already burned him once.

He cleared his throat. “I don’t want anything from you.”

“Then why do you care about my business?” she asked, but he remained silent. “Go talk to your sister. And when you do, tell her I’ll see her soon for another fitting.”

Then she left him standing there, her pumps clacking on the pavement outside as she retreated to her house.

He sauntered back to the kitchen and pondered the news about her business—as well as her advice about his sister.

Go see Layla and tell her you’re sorry. You’ll be glad you did.

“Fine,” he muttered, pushing the jewelry box into his pocket.

Ten minutes later he knocked on his aunt’s front door. Footfalls sounded inside, and when the door flew open, he came face-to-face with his sister. The delicious aroma of his aunt’s meat loaf wafted out of the house, causing his stomach to gurgle.

Layla’s brows drew together. “What do you want?”

“You left something at the bridal boutique.” He held out the jewelry box.

She examined the box and then looked up at him. “Are those Shane’s cufflinks?”

“Yup.”

“How’d you get them?” she asked, taking the box from him.

“Dakota delivered them to me tonight.” He slipped his hands into his pockets. “Would you consider them a peace offering?”

Layla studied him, her expression impassive. “Is that your sad attempt at an apology?”

He sucked in a breath through his nose. “I’m sorry for embarrassing you at dinner with Shane’s family.”

“You were a real jerk, Hud.”

“You’ve made that clear, and I’m sorry for hurting you. I still don’t agree with this wedding, but I can’t stand having you angry with me.” He rested his arm against the storm door. “I want you in my life, Layla. You’re important to me.”

She sniffed.

Oh no. Don’t cry.

“Truce?” he asked.

She nodded. “Yeah, truce.” Then she grinned. “And how’s that construction job going for you?”

“Just fine.”

She lifted her eyebrows. “You haven’t quit yet?”

“No, and I don’t plan to. I’m gonna win this bet, and you’re going to owe me a chocolate sundae.”

She laughed. “We’ll see about that.”

“Hud? Is that you?” Aunt Trudy called from somewhere in the house.